Nauru Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Nauru's net migration was -122 in 2025, ranked 125th globally. This represents a 0.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Nauru's net migration stood at -122 in 2025, a decline of +1 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -119 by 2026. Nauru ranked 125th globally.
Net migration in Nauru has swung dramatically over the 66‑year series, moving from a high of 218.00 in 1965 to a low of –252.00 in 2001 before settling at –122.00 in 2025, placing the island nation at rank 125 globally. The post‑independence boom of the 1960s reflected a modest influx of workers attracted by phosphate mining, but the sector’s collapse and successive economic crises prompted a sustained outflow that deepened after the 2001 trough. By 2025 the net loss of 122.00 persons mirrors the out‑migration pressures experienced by other small island economies such as Vanuatu (–52.00) and Grenada (–185.00), underscoring the vulnerability of Nauru’s labour market to external shocks and limited diversification. While recent government initiatives aim to develop renewable energy and offshore services, the trajectory will depend on the success of these programmes in creating domestic employment and reducing the incentive for residents to seek opportunities abroad.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -108 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -113 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -119 | - | - |
| 2025 | -122 | −1 | #125 |
| 2024 | -121 | +27 | #120 |
| 2023 | -148 | −4 | #112 |
| 2022 | -144 | −7 | #106 |
| 2021 | -137 | +77 | #117 |
| 2020 | -214 | −43 | #106 |
| 2019 | -171 | −40 | #116 |
| 2018 | -131 | −16 | #110 |
| 2017 | -115 | −10 | #109 |
| 2016 | -105 | −19 | #106 |
| 2015 | -86 | −17 | #122 |
| 2014 | -69 | −16 | #122 |
| 2013 | -53 | −15 | #120 |
| 2012 | -38 | +168 | #121 |
| 2011 | -206 | +40 | #118 |
Analysis
Nauru's net migration was -122 in 2025, a decline of −1 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated -119 by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nauru's net migration was -122 in 2025. Ranked 125th globally. This represents a 0.8% decrease from the previous year.
Nauru's net migration peaked at 218 in 1965.
The lowest net migration in Nauru was -252 in 2001.
Nauru ranks 125th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Nauru's net migration is projected to reach -119 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Nauru in 2025 was -122. This ranks 125th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nauru_net-migration,
title = {Nauru Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nauru/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}